Air Cargo Newsdesk

FIVE reasons why cliques are holding back the air cargo industry

AT BEST, cliques stifle change. At worst, sects and coteries may block growth, ideas and expansion. Take for example, the e-airwaybill which should, by now, be widely in use across the airfreight industry, writes Thelma Etim.

Coteries also encourage secrecy, which is the breeding ground for corruption. Regulators around the world are continuing to humble business communities who opt for the old ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ rule. No company or organisation is safe from prosecution;

Cliques are more predisposed to repeating the same mistakes because membership requires maintaining the status quo, so those who belong to the cadré have a vested interest in its continuation. Whilst other industries are embracing technology, the airfreight industry is among the few business sectors not doing so, making it ill-prepared for any related problems when they arise. This renders the air transport industry particularly vulnerable as a prime target for cyber criminals;

Closed fraternities are unlikely to be a source of innovation. History shows many innovators have transformed businesses, industries and lives, whilst eschewing the culture of the exclusive inner circle;

Cliques do not manage constructive criticism very well. Hence, they are prone to targeting or ostracising dissenting voices;

Finally, powerful coteries are less likely to tackle inherent malignant issues, such as sexism and racism – until they are publicly embarrassed into doing so.

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